No excuses for Eagles now that Giants have lost

OK, here's the situation: There's no excuse now for the Eagles to come out here today and poop their pants against the New York Jets.

Despite what they've been saying all week about not paying attention to the scoreboard, they're paying attention to the scoreboard, and the New York Giants just kept them alive by coming up lame against the Washington Redskins today.

So the Eagles are still alive for the NFC East crown if they win today (and still alive for a wildcard berth if they win and the Detroit Lions lose at Oakland).

One thing: If the Eagles are to stop the Jets' power running game, they will do it with just three defensive tackles. Trevor Laws' balky knee has landed him on the inactive list, alongside newly signed Cedric Thornton. That leaves only Derek Landri rotating in behind starters Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson.

The Eagles are going with five defensive ends instead, with only the injured Darryl Tapp (ribs) not available.